WASHINGTON (April 18, 2012)—National Geographic and Uncle Milton Industries have joined forces to create a new toy line to help kids make the most of their outdoor adventures. With the arrival of spring, and kids excited to explore the great outdoors, it’s an ideal time to make the most of their interest in the natural world with the new “Outdoor Explorer” series, available at Toys”R”Us.

The new National Geographic Outdoor Explorer Series, geared toward children ages 5 and up, features seven items, each with its own activity guide containing recommendations for the young explorer on how to use the product out in the field. From navigation and nature-collecting tools to a crate full of gear and activities, this fantastic new line features something for every junior explorer.

Entertaining for kids, yet educational enough to please parents, the toys are designed to get boys and girls excited about exploring outdoors. Parents can play along with their children as they learn about native plants and animals; collect rocks and soil samples; and navigate their way through local parks, neighborhood trails and vacation spots.

Products include:

Expedition Sky Flare
Launch this bright, light-up signal sky-high to let your fellow explorers know where you are. Watch as it safely spirals back to Earth.

3-in-1 Expedition Magnifier
Reveal the close-up details of the natural world with this 3-in-1 Expedition Magnifier. Excavate buried treasures with the included dig tools and examine your new and precious finds with the large-view magnifier.

4-in-1 Explorer Navigation Tool
Always be prepared for adventure with this handy 4-in-1 Explorer Navigation Tool — a must have for all explorers. Check the temperature, find out what direction you’re headed in, signal friends and whistle.

Earth Tag
Take aim at adventure with Earth Tag. Have a blast with your friends or on your own, targeting and identifying outdoor objects. Earth is your playing field in this action-packed game!

High Sierra Eco Explorer
Perfect for backyard exploring, this multi-use tool is great for digging, collecting and examining the small treasures you find above and below the Earth’s surface. Included is a strap to convert the illuminated viewer into a cool headlamp that lights your way.

All-Terrain Nature Collector
Explore your world up close with the rugged All-Terrain Nature Collector. Snap on the collecting domes to safely catch and observe creatures. Pond net extends for extra-long reach. Available exclusively at Toys”R”Us.

Outdoor Expedition Gear Pack
This crate is packed with more than 60 pieces of gear and 30 activities designed for hours of outdoor adventures. Available exclusively at Toys”R”Us.

“Many of the explorers and scientists we work with at National Geographic developed their passion for exploration from an early age, through the books they read, the places they visited and the toys they played with as children,” said Krista Newberry, National Geographic’s senior vice president of licensing, North America. “With our new National Geographic Outdoor Explorer Series, we are creating products that appeal to kids’ sense of adventure and foster a lifelong love for exploring the world around them.”

“We are thrilled to work with National Geographic,” said Frank Adler, president of Uncle Milton Industries. “Utilizing the authenticity and resources of National Geographic has enabled us to develop an inspiring new toy line that cultivates fun and fresh play experiences, while connecting with young explorers.”
National Geographic’s net proceeds from the sale of these products will support vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; trips; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

About Uncle Milton Industries
Founded in 1946, Uncle Milton creates, produces and markets proprietary and licensed toys that have outstanding play value and maximum kid-appeal. Since its introduction in 1956, the Ant Farm® brand ant habitat has grown to become a universally recognized icon of American pop culture. Building on the quality and innovation of its flagship brand, Uncle Milton today leads the science category with popular brands including Star Wars™ Science, National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, Jim Henson’s DINOSAUR TRAIN™ and In My Room. Uncle Milton, a Transom Capital Group company, distributes its lines of toys at specialty toy, hobby, gift, mass merchant and department stores nationwide, as well as through popular online retailers. For more information, visit unclemilton.com.